After establishing themselves with a wealth of raw and driven anthems these last few years, Manchester-based duo BATHTUB now return for 2023 to deliver their ferocious new single 'GAMEPLAY'.
Channelling the same bold and electrifying energy as Royal Blood and Death From Above 1979, 'GAMEPLAY' makes for an incredibly infectious listen. Filled with bold and cacophonous riffs, a soaring atmosphere, and killer hooks throughout, these two are certainly looking to make some serious noise on the scene right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has inspired them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the bass guitar, heavily influenced by my dad’s love for “The Stranglers”. After playing bass for so long now, picking up an electric guitar just feels wrong, they’re so flimsy and brittle.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was younger I first fell in love with Foo Fighters, particularly their first three albums. From there I found my favourite band Queens of The Stone Age, and gradually progressed into heavier music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I owned was Arctic Monkeys’ “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not”, my dad bought it for me once I got my own stereo.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I wish I’d written “How did we get so dark” by Royal Blood, that song alone pretty much inspired our whole band. The outro bass riffs still blow my mind.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Our band writing process has never really changed in the 4 years we’ve been playing together. I will write a riff on the bass, then write a chorus that goes with it. Then I’ll imagine the drums I want and portray that to Brandon. Once the structure is in place, lyrics usually come last.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My current favourite artists are Spiritbox, Loathe and probably Knocked Loose. Those bands are definitely influencing the new, heavier side of BATHTUB.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I think opening a show for Death From Above 1979 would be incredible, they’re a huge influence of ours and I reckon our music would go down pretty well with their fanbase.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part of being a musician for me is after the show, when people take the trouble to come over and say they loved the show, or compliment our sound. It never fails to make us blush.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is the pressure of being unsigned and unknown and trying to create a buzz and hold onto it. Especially as a duet. There’s just not enough of us to do everything that we want to do, and we can never write music quick enough before it needs to be released.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice we have received is to respect other musicians and people in.
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BATHTUB's new single 'GAMEPLAY' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.